Walking Dubrovnik's Walls

For centuries, Dubrovnik was an independent city-state and a major maritime power.  At one point, it had the third largest navy in the Mediterranean and relished its liberty.  Even today, the theme of "Libertas" is prevalent throughout Dubrovnik and you see that phrase virtually everywhere.  Dubrovnik has certainly expanded through the years, but the core city from its seafaring dominance in the 15th and 16th centuries is completely walled much like a castle would be surrounded by a moat.  However, this isn't a historical reenactment with architectural charm, it is still a vibrant part of the City where many citizens still live, worship, and shop -- albeit with a lot of tourists walking through each day.

The walls date back to the 15th century as fortifications against invaders.  At various times, Dubrovnik was surrounded by either the Venetians, Hungarians, or Ottoman empires, and its wealth as a major maritime power necessitated protections.  It also used its wealth to pay "tribute" to its neighbors thus helping to ensure its independence.

One of the must-dos in Dubrovnik is to walk the City walls.  This provides you with the best views of the City as well as out over the Adriatic Sea.  We spent our first morning here walking the walls and soaking in the atmosphere.  We were on the walls by 9am in order to beat the heat and the crowds.  Because it does get crowded and the width is very narrow in places, people are

The Stradun -- the Main Street of Dubrovnik

 only allowed to walk in one direction.  There are three places to access the walls, so once you start, you're committed at least for part of the way around.

The views did not disappoint.  Seeing all of the tiled rooftops from above is quintessential Dubrovnik and is frequently features in photos and paintings.  Even though I like all of the photos I took, it is still difficult to accurately capture all the beauty I was seeing.

Soaking in the view from Minceta Tower -- tallest point along the walls